Explore Staff Scientist opportunities for experienced researchers and scientific professionals. Staff Scientists lead and support research programs, design experiments, analyze data, develop methods, and share findings with scientific and business partners. On Ladders, discover vetted professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more across research organizations, life sciences, healthcare, technology, government, and academia.
Staff Scientist responsibilities vary by field and employer. The role may involve planning and conducting experiments, managing specialized equipment or laboratory operations, interpreting complex datasets, contributing to publications and proposals, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Many Staff Scientists also guide junior researchers and help set technical direction for a project or research group.
Employers commonly seek deep subject-matter expertise, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant research methods, instruments, or computational tools. A Ph.D. is often preferred or required, though requirements depend on the discipline and position. Clear scientific communication, project management, collaboration, and a record of research contributions can also strengthen an application.
Compensation depends on factors such as specialization, experience, location, employer, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore Staff Scientist roles that align with their expertise and career goals. Senior opportunities may include increased research leadership, program ownership, or progression into principal scientist and research management positions.
Search Staff Scientist jobs by specialty, location, and employer to find opportunities suited to your background. Review role requirements, tailor your résumé to highlight relevant research outcomes and technical strengths, and explore positions that can advance your scientific career.
Senior Research Administrator (Remote) - Bursky Public Health
$75K - $128K *
Lead research administration efforts by managing pre- and post-award activities, overseeing budgeting, payroll, and operations for complex studies, while ensuring compliance and enhancing processes wi...
2 days ago
Senior Global Marketing Manager (Antibody)
$129K - $193K *
Transform the future of transplant diagnostics by driving market growth and adoption of innovative molecular diagnostics. Collaborate cross-functionally to create compelling strategies and campaigns t...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $180K *
Contribute to the compliance framework and processes for regulated facilities. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve regulatory commitment while ensuring safe and efficient operations o...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Medical Publications
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to managing diverse publications projects from start to finish. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensure client satisfaction, and maintain project budgets while dr...
3 weeks ago
Director of Program Management
$135K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading cross-functional teams to drive drug development strategies. Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution of integrated plans, manage risks, and de...
1 week ago
$81K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-impact market research solutions, managing multiple projects, and fostering client relationships. Coach and elevate team standards while utilizing innovative methodo...
5 days ago
Project Manager II, Global Project Leadership
$95K - $115K *
Drive the successful delivery of complex global clinical trials, overseeing cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with GCP and regulatory standards while managing budgets and timelines to exc...
2 weeks ago
Director, Advanced Analytics and Data Science - Innovation
$174K - $234K *
Shape the future of advanced analytics and AI, driving data-driven solutions across commercial, medical, and clinical operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver insights, enhance decision-m...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
VP, Labor & Public Sector Sales
$215K - $250K *
Pioneer your career by leading a dynamic sales team focused on Labor and Public Sector markets. Drive growth, mentor talent, and execute strategic initiatives to exceed revenue goals while building im...
2 weeks ago
Vaccines Specialist, Health and Science Professional - Ocala, FL
$76K - $199K *
Advance customer engagement and sales strategies for a Vaccines Portfolio, driving product promotion and relationship development through both in-person and virtual interactions while collaborating wi...
Yesterday
Associate Director, Real-World Analytics Programming
$186K - $233K *
Empower the future of real-world analytics by leading programming activities for observational studies, ensuring high-quality deliverables through collaboration with cross-functional teams and innovat...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Business Development
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's driving growth in the biopharmaceutical sector by developing strategic business relationships, prospecting new clients, and leading sales initiatives to achieve organizational objec...
2 days ago
Staff Applied AI Engineer - Enterprise AI Solutions
$230K - $360K *
Elevate customer success by designing and deploying innovative Gen AI and ML solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex needs into impactful AI tools, ensuring reliability and busin...
3 weeks ago
Senior Java Software Engineer (Library of Congress)
$115K - $135K *
Lead the charge in developing high-quality software solutions, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance systems and deliver impactful results in...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer, Mission Planning
$120K - $145K *
Innovate in mission planning by developing autonomous operations for satellite constellations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, prototype code, and optimize algorithms...
2 weeks ago
Head of Analytical Development, Pulmovant
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in analytical development, overseeing drug substance and product strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and performance, while mentoring a high-performing analytical...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Commercial Manufacturing
$180K - $200K *
Champion commercial manufacturing excellence by leading technical operations, ensuring on-time delivery of drug products and APIs, and collaborating with regulatory teams to meet compliance and perfor...
4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Quality Control (QC) Program Implementation Lead
$216K - $243K *
Pioneer advancements in vaccine research and development, driving global immunization efforts. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and effective delivery of safe vaccines, enhancing public h...
5 days ago
$100K - $195K *
Take ownership of designing automated systems and robotic equipment for remote operations in radiological environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective integration and perf...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower enterprise initiatives by leading complex projects that drive strategic outcomes, enhance governance, and align cross-functional teams. Utilize your expertise to manage risks, ensure accountab...
1 week ago
Machine Learning Scientist 5 - Ads Demand Science
$466K - $500K+*
Elevate your career by designing and deploying ML models that transform advertiser requests into optimized media plans, collaborating with a dynamic team to drive innovation and enhance decision-makin...
3 weeks ago
Director, Analytical Development and Quality Control
$192K - $235K *
Lead analytical development and quality control for sterile parenteral products, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful product launches. Collaborate cross-functionally to establish strategies...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a dynamic leadership role overseeing sales strategies and team development in the Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry sectors, driving revenue growth and customer satisfaction thr...
6 days ago
Senior Business Systems Architect
$167K - $183K *
Lead the charge in optimizing G&A technology solutions, enhancing business processes through AI and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency and compliance, ensuring scalable grow...
3 weeks ago
Principal Decision Scientist, Applied Optimization and Simulation 2026 - US
$130K - $155K *
Lead decision science projects, guiding teams and delivering data-driven solutions for Federal clients using machine learning and optimization techniques. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure impac...
4 weeks ago
What does a Staff Scientist do?
A Staff Scientist conducts and supports research, designs experiments, analyzes results, maintains expertise in scientific methods or technologies, and collaborates with research teams. Depending on the role, they may also mentor colleagues and contribute to publications, proposals, or research strategy.
What qualifications are typically required for Staff Scientist jobs?
Requirements vary by discipline and employer. Many roles ask for a Ph.D. and relevant research experience, while some accept a master's degree paired with substantial specialized experience. Employers may also expect expertise in field-specific methods, instruments, or data analysis.
How much do Staff Scientists earn?
Staff Scientist pay varies according to field, experience, location, organization, and responsibilities. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more, including eligible Staff Scientist roles.
Where do Staff Scientists work?
Staff Scientists work in settings such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies, national laboratories, and technology or industrial research organizations.
How can I find Staff Scientist jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional Staff Scientist openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Search by location or specialization and compare requirements to identify roles that fit your experience.